HEARTLESS raiders have stolen a giant Bob the Builder figure from the garden of a house near Malvern.

The seven-foot wooden children's television character was stolen from a Newland property between 1am and 5am on Saturday, together with a lawnmower and garden tools.

The owner of the property, which is in the vicinity of Worcester Road, Newland, and Townsend Way in Malvern, did not wish to be identified, but said that his children were fond of the figure.

"The kids are annoyed," he said. "It's hard to miss it, it's pretty big."

He said the thieves had also stolen cans of oil and creosote and poured them over the steps of nearby Morrisons supermarket, as well as pushing two other mowers into a brook which runs through the garden.

A Briggs and Stratton petrol mower was also stolen. Police have appealed for anyone with information to call 08457 444888, quoting incident number 724S/290706.